Spring is a beautiful reminder that new life begins with a seed. Whether you’re nurturing flowers, vegetables, or the heart of a child, the act of planting is an intentional one. As believers, we are called to plant spiritual seeds—seeds of truth, love, and faith that can grow and bloom in the lives of the next generation. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, Sunday school teacher, or mentor, you have a holy opportunity to help children grow into a deep, authentic relationship with Christ.
The Biblical Call to Plant
Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” That doesn't mean the journey will always be smooth, or that every child will walk a straight path. But the seeds we plant—in conversations, prayers, and how we live—matter. They have the power to take root, even when we can’t see the growth right away.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 reminds us of our daily responsibility: "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."
The command is clear: Our faith isn’t just for Sunday mornings. It's meant to saturate our lives and overflow into the lives of those we influence.
1. Model Authentic Faith
Kids notice more than we realize. They pick up on the way we speak, how we respond to stress, how we treat people, and how we handle conflict. Modeling an authentic faith doesn’t mean we pretend to be perfect. Showing children how we turn to God in weakness, ask for forgiveness, and rely on grace might be the most powerful example we can set.
Let them see you pray. Let them hear you read scripture. Let them watch you wrestle with tough questions and return to the Lord each time. Faith isn’t a performance—it’s a journey. And when children see you walking it out, they’re more likely to start walking with you.
2. Create God-Centered Rhythms
Children thrive in routines, and when we build spiritual practices into our family’s daily or weekly rhythm, we create natural space for growth. This might look like:
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Family devotionals: Even just 5-10 minutes each day can make a difference. Choose a devotional that fits your family’s age range and schedule.
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Meal-time prayers: Regularly thanking God before meals helps foster gratitude.
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Worship music in the home or car: Let the truths of scripture be sung over them.
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Sabbath rest: Set aside time each week to slow down and enjoy time with God and family.
Faith doesn’t have to be taught in lectures. It can be lived out in the ordinary moments.
3. Use Scripture as a Foundation
God’s Word is living and active. Teaching scripture to children doesn’t have to be complicated. Memorizing simple verses together, talking about what a verse means, or even letting them illustrate Bible stories with drawings are all effective tools.
Start with foundational truths:
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God made you.
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God loves you.
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Jesus is with you.
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The Bible is true.
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Prayer matters.
When the truths of scripture are tucked into young hearts, they become a source of strength when life gets tough.
4. Encourage Questions
Kids are naturally curious, and they’re going to ask hard questions: "Why does God let bad things happen?" or "How do we know the Bible is true?"
Instead of shutting down their curiosity, welcome it. A safe space to ask questions is a fertile ground for faith. It allows you to engage in meaningful conversations and teach them that God is not intimidated by doubt. Teach them that faith and questions can coexist, and that asking is part of growing.
5. Serve Together
When children serve others, they learn that faith isn’t just about receiving God’s love—it’s about sharing it. Look for opportunities to serve as a family:
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Helping at a food pantry
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Making care packages for the homeless
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Writing cards to missionaries
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Participating in a church clean-up day
When kids see that their actions can make a difference, they begin to understand their role in God’s kingdom.
6. Celebrate Spiritual Milestones
Just like we celebrate birthdays and graduations, celebrating spiritual milestones shows that faith is central to our lives. A few examples include:
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A child’s first Bible
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Baptism
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Making a personal decision to follow Jesus
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First communion
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Completing a devotional journal
Marking these moments with a special dinner, a letter, or a small gift reinforces that these are big and beautiful steps in their journey.
7. Be Patient and Persistent
Seeds take time. Growth isn’t always visible. There may be seasons when a child drifts or questions more than they believe. Don’t lose heart. Keep praying. Keep showing up. Keep planting.
Galatians 6:9 encourages us: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
8. Lean on Community
Raising kids in faith is not meant to be a solo effort. Surround your children (and yourself!) with a community of believers. That might include:
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Church involvement
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Youth groups or children’s ministries
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Faith-based summer camps
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Christian mentors
The voices of other trusted adults often echo what you've taught at home and give kids confidence in what they believe.
9. Share Your Story
Children love stories. And one of the most powerful tools you have is your testimony. Share how you came to know Christ. Tell them about the times you’ve seen God answer prayers. Talk about the times you struggled and how God carried you through.
Faith becomes real when it’s personal. Your story might be the very thing that helps them see God at work in their own lives.
10. Pray for and with Them
Last but certainly not least: cover the next generation in prayer. Pray for their protection, their hearts, their friendships, and their calling. Let them hear you speak their name before the Lord. And pray with them, too.
Prayer isn’t just a bedtime ritual; it’s a powerful connection with God. When children learn early that they can talk to God about anything, they grow up knowing they are never alone.
Closing Encouragement
Planting seeds of faith is not always glamorous. It’s often quiet, unseen, and slow. But it’s holy work. And it matters. Every scripture memorized, every question answered, every prayer whispered over a child’s sleeping form—it all counts.
You may not see the full harvest. But your faithfulness lays the groundwork for someone else to water, nurture, and one day see the bloom.
Never underestimate the power of a seed planted in love, watered with grace, and entrusted to God.